Different Coffee Drinking Habits around the World

We speak to Rudy Caretti who has more than 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, a passion that started in Italy within the family business and brought him to found Gimoka Coffee UK and G Coffee Pod with a group of friends, who share the same passion.

Since he roasted his first batch of coffee seeds as a teenager, he was fascinated by the many ways it can be processed to get the many different distinctive flavors we all love. We find out, from him, the different coffee drinking habits of people around the world…

Did you think you are the only one enamoured with your morning cup of coffee? There is a saying that coffee drinking in America is a lifestyle. Nevertheless, if you thought Americans were obsessed with their cup of Joe, wait until you get to Europe. Whereas there is a coffee shop located in about every block in different cities of United States, you will be stunned to learn that Europeans lead in coffee consumption.

In fact, the daily per-capita consumption in Netherlands is 2.4 cups, an almost equivalent of total intake by UK, France, Spain and US combined! Fascination with coffee is evident in different parts of the world. The most intriguing bit is that people have different habits when it comes to enjoying their favorite cup of caffeine, some of which are discussed below.

USA

A huge number of Americans walk or drive around with large coffee cups, probably, from Starbucks or so. There is a coffee vending machine in almost every housing block in each city. Today, there is a growing popularity of coffee pods with over 30% of American households owning a coffee pod machine. The US is known for its variety of caffeine drinks. Besides the fresh brew of coffee pods, you can also enjoy espresso, cappuccino, and instant coffee.

Austria

Luxurious coffee houses are a central part of Austria’s cultural heritage, and they stay open late into the night. Their wiener mélange is a scrumptious cappuccino-style brew of coffee with steamed milk and froth.

Turkey

Two main attributes of Turkish coffee is strong and dark. You can actually find coffee grinds at the base of your empty cup, and their belief is that one can read their fortune from these remains. So, don’t be quick to toss the grinds away once through.

Spain

The Spanish are famous for their late afternoon siestas which bring everything to a halt in the middle of the day. After this kind of nap, there is no better way to kick-start the next part of the day than with a hot cup of coffee and a snack.

India

Coffee drinking in India dates back to the 16th century. It was introduced by a Muslim named Baba Budan who sneaked in some beans to India after falling in love with the experience of drinking coffee when he was on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Today, the Indian filter coffee is widespread especially on the south. They keenly brew their potent beverage through a special filter equipment and drink it from a metal tumbler. One can add milk and sugar to bring it to their desired taste.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, coffee drinking is a serious affair. It is believed that coffee originated here and up-to-date, Ethiopians hold coffee drinking ceremonies. These are cultural ceremonies where coffee preparation encompasses a spiritual process. It begins from the roasting of beans by women to brewing in a uniquely spouted pot before serving to the family and visitors who are never in a hurry to enjoy their ‘bread’. They also spice it with cardamom, honey, cloves, and cinnamon, therefore, giving it a distinctively rich flavor.

Vietnam

Here, people like their coffee sweet. Vietnamese usually add several tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to their freshly brewed strong hot cup of coffee thus making it taste close to a dessert. Iced coffee is also a common drink in Vietnam.

France

In France, dinner is an enormous coffee-filled affair. This is because they serve their java after dessert. You are likely to get a fresh, strong cup of espresso with steamed milk. Beware, though, the French like to hold their cup of delicious brew with both hands – a habit that would daze many Americans. If you are at a café, it’s absurd to order takeaway coffee. Here, savoring coffee is a social affair, and people tend to sit and sip their drink with ease, over a friendly chat or while reading a daily.

Italy

Italy is the home of espresso and your visit to this beautiful country isn’t complete before you taste their signature brew. However, if you prefer your coffee sweet, you can try café con panna, which is simply a fresh espresso mixed with a desirable amount of sweet whipped cream and is commonly served in the morning. Italians take the small strong shot of espresso in one gulp and follow it with a glass of water to wash away the taste thus keeping off the smell of coffee in their breath.